Washington: The House of Representatives has passed a supplementary budget amendment
excluding France, Germany, Russia and Syria from taking part in US-funded
reconstruction bids in Iraq, because they opposed the US-led war in Iraq.
Proposed by Minnesota Congressman Mark Kennedy, a Republican unrelated to the famous
Kennedy clan, and passed by show of hands late April 3, the measure would even bar
access by the four countries to information on reconstruction bids in Iraq.
The Kennedy amendment stipulated "that none of the funds made available in the Bill
for reconstruction efforts in Iraq may be used to procure goods or services from any
entity that includes information on a response to a Request for Proposal (RFP) that
indicates that such entity is organised under the Laws of France, Germany, the
Russian Federation, or Syria".
A similar amendment from Washington State Congressman George Nethercutt, also
Republican, that included China, was voted down.
"This amendment sends a signal to our allies that we appreciate those who support us
in our time of need and remember those that have sought to thwart coalition efforts
to defeat Saddam Hussein's regime," Nethercutt said of his measure.
"The coalition of the unwilling should not participate in reconstruction with US tax
Dollars," he added.
The Kennedy amendment was included in a supplemental budget amendment authorising $
77.9 billion in funding to cover the costs of war in Iraq and the start of
reconstruction in Iraq passed by the House by a 414-12 vote.
